Archive for month: May 2019

 
So you’ve made the decision to use a self-storage unit to house the personal or business related items you don’t have space for at home or at the office. The next question is, which storage facility will you use? While there are plenty of locations to choose from in the Phoenix area, you’ll want to be sure to find one that is convenient to where you live and has the amenities you are looking for.
 
Most storage facilities offer a range of benefits and extras to entice you to choose their location, however, there are some amenities that are more important than others. Here are 3 must-haves your next storage facility should offer:
 

1. Extended Hours

 
One of the biggest advantages of storing your possessions in a storage unit is being able to access those items whenever you need them. Make sure that your storage facility offers generous hours of access so that you can get to your unit when you need to. You’ll want to be sure they are open 7 days a week and that you can get to your unit past normal office hours. It doesn’t do you much good to store your stuff at a place that shuts down at 5:00pm everyday. If you work until 5:00, you have no chance to get into your storage unit until the weekend. You can avoid this by making sure your storage facility offers extended hours.
 

2. Climate Control Options

 
Depending on what you will be storing and what time of the year you will be accessing your storage unit, you may want to consider a facility that offers climate control units. These units are kept at an average temperature that is not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter. Temperature control in your storage unit can be a huge benefit if you are storing items that may be affected by extreme heat or cold. The summer months here in Phoenix can get very hot. If you will be moving your possessions in or out of your storage unit during the summer, a climate-controlled unit will help you to avoid the overwhelming heat. While you may not always need an indoor storage unit with temperature control, but it’s definitely nice to have the option.
 

3. Solid Security

 
Most of the storage facilities in the Phoenix area are equipped with at least some security measures to keep your possessions safe. Be sure to ask questions about the extent of the security at whichever storage facility you are considering so you feel confident storing your items there. Some of the most important security features would be computerized gate controls, digital video surveillance, alarms on all units, good lighting, and daily lock checks by on-site resident managers. You shouldn’t have to worry about any of your items going missing or lost when you store them at a secure storage facility.
 
Arizona Storage Centers offers all 3 of these must-haves at our Glendale location, Cactus Self Storage. It’s our goal to convince you that we care as much about your belongings as you do.
 
To learn more about our rates and availability, call us at 480-386-6022.
 

 
When you know your belongings and possessions will be in storage for a while, it’s a good idea to take a few precautions while packing them. A little extra attention during the packing stage will ensure your items remain undamaged and easy to get to when you need them. Here are a few tips for good storage packing:
 

Check the Weight

 
It’s tempting to use over-sized boxes or totes and fill them to the brim with as much as possible, especially when you know these boxes and totes will be sitting in storage. However, it’s important to remember that boxes still need to be lifted by a human being! Also, after sitting for a long period of time, some storage containers begin to lose their strength, which could lead to spills and falls.
 

Wrap With Care

 
If you are planning on storing fragile or delicate items, be sure you take the time to protect them by wrapping them in appropriate material. It’s best to wrap dishes individually and to pack them lightly into a box. These boxes will need a “fragile” sticker for sure!
 

Use Lids

 
Lids are essential when it comes to storage for a couple of reasons. First, an open box with no lid is sure to collect dust and other debris. Items stored in a box or other storage container with no lid can be easily damaged if something should fall. Secondly, storage containers with lids are easier to stack. This allows you to use the space in your storage unit more efficiently.
 

It’s Good to Use Labels!

 
Good labeling as you ready your possessions for storage is a very important step if you’re planning on holding onto your sanity down the road. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out where things are in a storage unit filled with unlabeled boxes. Yes, labeling can add time to the packing process, but it is definitely worth it.
 

Books and Other Heavy Items

 
Lots of books to pack? Remember that it’s best to pack books flat to avoid damaging their spines. Also, be careful not to pack too many books or other heavy items into one box, as this will make it tough to lift and store. You may end up creating a situation where the box can’t hold the weight of the books and end up breaking through the bottom of the box.
 

Take Beds Apart

 
When storing bed frames in a storage unit, it’s best to disassemble them as much as possible. You might think that keeping the bed frame together will make things easier when moving in or out of your home, but it can actually create a nightmare in your storage unit and take up way too much space.
 
For more ideas and tips on good storing practices, be sure to talk to the experts at Deer Valley II Self Storage. Our on-site managers are always willing to share their expertise and insight based on their experience. Give us a call at 480-386-6022.
 

 
Is your family growing? Congratulations! Bringing new family members into the home is always an exciting time of life. It can also bring new challenges when it comes to having enough space around the house. Unless you are moving into a bigger home, adding to your family often includes getting creative with storage space. Here are a few ideas on how you can make room in your home so everyone fits:
 

Sharing Rooms

 
A new baby in the home could mean it’s time for other kids to start sharing a bedroom. This could potentially open up a room to be used as a nursery for the new arrival. When it comes to sharing rooms, you’ll be surprised at how much your kids will take after your attitude. If you make it fun and exciting, they will catch your enthusiasm, which leads to more room for the baby.
 

Optimize Closet Space

 
As you look around your home for additional space, be sure to pay close attention to the closets in your home. You might find that spending some time optimizing or re-organizing your closet can give you quite a bit of space you didn’t realize was there. This might include adding a few extra shelves, over-the-door organizers or simply clearing away clutter.
 

Out With the Old

 
When planning for the arrival of the newest addition to your family, be sure to look for opportunities to get rid of items in your home that you just don’t need anymore. Maybe this is a good time to do a thorough purge of toys around the house or to get rid of clothes that no longer fit. Clearing out space in the garage can also help create more space for storage.
 

Multi-Use Furniture

 
You may find that getting creative with the furniture in your home is a great way to make space for your new arrival. Bunk beds and convertible furniture can definitely add space in a bedroom. Find a crib that will double as a changing table to save space in the baby’s room.
 

Extra Storage

 
Just because you are adding another person into your family doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up the things you love. Instead of getting rid of furniture that you still hope to use someday, store it in a clean and safe self-storage unit at Cactus Storage. If you’re not ready to get rid of extra clothes just yet, simply box them up neatly and move them into your storage unit.
 
Arizona Storage Centers offers storage units in many different sizes, including climate-controlled units to protect your possessions from damage from the heat or cold. Call us to learn more about what we have to offer! 480-386-6022.
 

No matter how long you plan on using your storage unit, keeping it neatly organized is important and will help prevent stress and injury. An organized storage unit will ensure your belongings are easy to access when you need them. You’ll also avoid injury from falling boxes or damage to your possessions.
 
Organizing your storage unit is often over-looked step. People are typically in a hurry as they unload their things into a storage unit and aren’t really thinking about the long-term. All it takes is one stressful afternoon of frantically searching through dozens of boxes looking for a specific item before you realize the benefits of organization.
 
Here are a few ideas on how you can keep your storage unit organized from day 1:
 

Choose the Right Size Unit

 
As you begin to look at different sizes of storage units, remember that it’s better to have a little extra space than no space at all. If choose a unit that is too small, not only will you have a tough time squeezing all of your stuff in, but you’ll leave yourself with no room to move around. Take a look at a few different sizes of storage units to get a feel of how your belongings will fit. Remember to consider how often you will be accessing your possessions so you leave yourself some wiggle room.
 

Packing for Storage

 
If you know that you will be storing items for quite a while, it’s a good idea to pack boxes and totes specifically for storage. This requires thinking ahead as to when you will need these items and how you can access them quickly. You’ll also want to be sure that you label things clearly so they are simple to find. There may be some items that you are planning to hang onto, but don’t need to get to while they are in storage. Other items you may need more frequently and should be easier to get to.
 

Move-In Plan

 
Similar to moving into a home, it can definitely help to have a move-in plan for your storage unit. This might include storing large furniture and appliances to the rear of your storage unit allowing for smaller items to be placed up front. Consider storing sofas and mattresses on end to allow for more space in your unit. Decide which of your belongings you will need to access most frequently and plan to store those things towards the entrance. Creating a move-in plan and following it will add a little more time, but it will pay off in the long run.
 
If you feel unsure or have questions about what size storage unit you should rent, be sure to talk to the on-site managers at Arizona Storage Centers. We’ve been in the business for quite some time now and are more than willing to offer our insight and advice. You can reach us at 480-386-6022. We’re happy to show you the many different options we offer so you can choose just the right unit for your needs.
 

As we ring in the New Year, many of us will reflect on how we can make life better this year, including how to keep our homes more neat and organized. This sometimes feels like a never-ending goal. Just when we feel we’re reached a new level of organization, something new will come up in life that forces us to re-focus our efforts.

 

Still, there are some basics when it comes to organizing that can make a big difference. If you’re contemplating your New Year’s goals for an organized home, consider the following ideas:

 

Organize Your Closet

 

Most of us seem to have a love-hate relationship with our closet and it seems to depend on the day. There’s nothing better than a clean and well-organized closet while a closet that looks like a tornado hit is sure to cause extra stress. Make it a resolution to get your closet good and organized once and for all. Take the time to find a place for everything so there’s no clutter or loose items. You’ll likely find that it doesn’t take quite as long as you initially anticipated to get things in order.

 

In The Kitchen

 

There’s a chance you may have seen something on Pinterest or even a Home Depot commercial on how you can better organize your kitchen cabinets or pantries. While some of your kitchen may be already organized just exactly as you would like it, chances are there are other areas that need some major help. This year, make it a point to get your kitchen pantry and cabinets organized so they are functional and efficient.

 

Out In The Garage

 

Many people have found that their garages have slowly transformed from a place to keep their cars to a giant storage closet. A garage can easily become a catchall, where all of the stuff we don’t know where to keep ends up. On the other hand, a well-kept and organized garage can make a huge difference in keeping the entire house more organized. Make some time this year to really stop and focus on your garage. Clear out clutter, organize tools and re-think what you store there and how.

 

Additional Storage

 

You might find that you have lots of stuff both in your home and in the garage that takes up too much space, but you aren’t ready to get rid of yet. In that case, consider a clean and secure storage unit that you can easily access. This will help free up space around the house and allow you to hang on to your belongings until you need them.

 

Having a self-storage unit at Gilbert Self Storage might be just the ticket for keeping your home clean and organized this year. You’ll be surprised at the burst of energy you get from a clean and organized home! Call us today to learn more about the many storage options we offer – 480-386-6022.

 

It’s that time of the year when the holiday decorations, including lights, wreaths and Christmas trees are everywhere you look. Some people take their decorating more seriously than others, with displays that include dozens of strings of lights, inflatable santa’s and snowmen and tons of other decorations for both inside and outside. Others choose to keep their decorations to a minimum. Either way, at some point, the holiday season will end and all of those decorations will need to be boxed up and stored until next year.
 
You may have asked yourself, as many others do, if there is a better way to pack and store Christmas decorations. Not only do you want to keep your decorations safe and intact for next year, but you also want a system that makes them easier to unpack. Here are a few ideas for storing holiday decorations:
 

Lights

 
Perhaps the most challenging of all decorations to store are Christmas lights. Simply piling them into a box can lead to broken bulbs and tangles that are sure to cause headaches when it’s time to use them again. Consider using a reeling storage device for your lights. Not only do these devices hold hundreds of feet of lights, but they also prevent tangles and unintentional breaks.
 

Ornaments

 
The Christmas tree ornaments collected over the years can be expensive. You may have inherited a treasured ornament from a grandparent or decided to spend the extra money on a really nice set. When it’s time to pack the ornaments up at the end of the season, be sure to use a heavy-duty ornament chest or other storage box specifically designed for ornaments. These may be a little bit of an investment, but they’ll help keep your ornaments looking great for years to come.
 

Tree

 
Chances are, the original box your artificial Christmas tree came in is long gone. Still, you’ll want to have a good storage solution for your tree to keep in good condition for future Christmases. Fortunately, there are several different ideas for Christmas tree storage, including a soft-sided bag with handles or even a rolling case that makes it easier to move from one place to the next.
 

Gift Wrapping Paper

 
It’s hard to know what to do with left over wrapping paper at the end of the holiday season. On the one hand, you don’t want to just throw it out – some it can be pretty expensive. At the same time, it can be maddening trying to find the best place to keep it so it won’t get damaged. There are some clever ideas floating around on the internet, including using an old hanging garment bag or creating your own holder with an upside down barstool. It’s also a good idea to identify a safe place in your storage unit or garage where this paper will contact with items that may cause damage.
 
Many of our customers keep their holiday and Christmas decorations stored in one of our clean and safe storage units here at Arizona Storage Centers. This way, the boxes and boxes of decorations don’t take up space in the garage or storage closets at home. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind that your decorations are protected and good to go when you need them next.
 
For information on storage units for 2016, call us today at 480-386-6022.
 

 
Moving during the summer in Phoenix, Arizona can be quite a challenge. There are certain precautions and preparations you’ll want to be sure to take to avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Here are a few tips on how to stay cool during your summer move:
 

Wear the Right Clothing

 
To start with, be sure you are wearing the right clothing when moving in the summer. Comfortable and loose-fitting clothing will be much more easier to live with and will help you stay cool. Also, be sure to wear light-colored clothing to help deflect the sunlight.
 

Drink Lots of Water

 
There’s no way to over-emphasize the importance of staying hydrated while you move. The heat can take its toll on you faster than you think and the last thing you want is to be fighting dehydration while you’re moving. Prepare in advance by having an ice chest ready with lots of bottled water. It’s better to buy too much than too little. When the day of the move comes, be sure to drink water before you even feel that you are getting thirsty. Doing so will help prevent dehydration.
 

Start Early

 
The first few hours of the day are probably the best time to load or unload a moving truck in the Phoenix area. If you aren’t able to move in the early morning hours, you might consider waiting until the evening when the sun goes down. Even then the heat can still be a bit overwhelming but it is better than working while the sun is still out.
 

Take Regular Breaks

 
Remember to take breaks every once in a while and sit indoors or in the shade to allow your body to cool down. Too much time out in the heat and direct sunlight will quickly zap your energy and slow your body’s ability to recover. It can be tempting to just keep going even when temperatures begin to rise in midday, but this can also be dangerous. Every year there are many reports of heat exhaustion and heat stroke suffered by those who stayed out in the heat too long. Be smart and safe by taking breaks!
 

Park in the Shade

 
There’s nothing worse than having to get into a hot car that’s been sitting out in the heat when you’re already hot. You may be surprised to see just how big of a difference it makes to park in the shade. Shade blocks the sun and reduces the temperature in your car by several degrees, which makes getting in much more bearable. Additionally you may want to open your windows a few inches to allow air to flow through the vehicle, which can reduce overall temperatures.
 
At Cactus Self Storage, we offer convenient access to storage units as well as climate-controlled units that help to make moving in the summer much easier. To find out what types of units are currently available, call us at 480-386-6022.
 

 
There’s nothing better than heading to a nearby lake with your boat on hot summer’s day. With so many neighboring lakes in the vicinity, Phoenix is a great place to own a boat. Many lakes are just a short drive away making them easy and convenient to access.
 
What isn’t so convenient is storing a boat. You can’t park a boat just anywhere. They are often not allowed to be parked in many deed-restricted communities. Apartment parking lots aren’t usually set up to park boats, either. You may be able to park one in your driveway or yard if you have a house, but you’ll have to a security system in place and keep a close eye on it whenever you can, because boats are subject to theft when left out in the open in an unsecured place. Also, storing them at a marina can be very expensive.
 
If you are looking for a place to keep your boat in between trips to the lake, consider Cactus Self Storage. We offer convenient, safe and easy to use spaces to accommodate boats. Here are just a few of the benefits of storing your boat with us.
 

Safe and Secure

 
Not only is our facility gated requiring a gate code to get in and out, but we also have our boat and auto storage towards the back of our property behind all of the storage units. Boat spaces are large to avoid contact with other vehicles. You can rest assured that your boat will be safe from theft or damage.
 

Convenience

 
Your boat will always be easy to access and quick to pick up when it’s time to hit the lake. We make it simple for you to get in and out. On the flip side, when your day at the lake is over, you’ll want to be able to quickly drop your boat off so you can get home for rest and relaxation. Boat owners love the convenience of having their boat in a place they can get to easily and whenever they want to.
 

Avoid Extra Costs

 
As we mentioned before, unless you are able to store your boat at home, it can be quite expensive to store a boat at a marina at the lake or even in some other boat storage facilities. As a boat owner, you are already aware of the expenses that come with ownership. You can avoid high costs of storage by choosing Cactus Self Storage.
 
To learn more about boat storage at our facility, give us a call at 480-386-6022.
 

 
Now that moving day is here, it’s time to take inventory of the supplies you’ve prepared to help make the move go as smoothly as possible. You’ve got your boxes, your tape and maybe even a dolly, but you still feel like maybe you’re forgetting something.
 
It’s sometimes difficult to remember everything you will need to have on hand when you’re moving, especially when your mind has been focused on packing everything away. Here we list a few items that can be helpful when moving that are often forgotten or overlooked.
 

Tape Measure

 
As you start to move your sofas, dressers or any other large piece of furniture either out of your old home or into your new one, a tape measure can come in handy. Being able to measure a doorway or window and compare it to the dimensions of the furniture can help you negotiate corners and edges easier and avoid damage to your items. If you don’t plan ahead to have a tape measure on hand, you may find yourself frantically searching through boxes and tool bins to find one.
 

Fresh Markers

 
Labeling boxes with their contents helps the unloading team know what part of the house they should go to. It also helps you to easily identify and find items that may be needed sooner than later once you have arrived at your new home. While many people plan on labeling their boxes as they go, they may find themselves relying on the markers found around the house that don’t have much life left to them. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to use a marker that is running out of ink or has dried out. Be sure to have some new markers on hand.
 

Extra Garbage Bags

 
It’s not uncommon to come across items that you are ready to get rid of as you begin packing your house up. When you know that you are either going to donate or throw out these items, you may not want to use a box, especially if a heavy-duty trash bag will do the job. Hang onto boxes for the items that will be making the move with you. Having extra trash bags on hand can be helpful in many different ways, including for any trash that accumulates during the move or for small items that didn’t make it into a box.
 
If you are planning on storing any of your possessions in a storage unit, we highly recommend that you use strong sturdy boxes with packing tape and that these boxes are clearly labeled. This will make a big difference.
 
To learn more about storage solutions, call Cactus Self Storage at 480-386-6022.
 

 
Of all the furniture you will handle the next time you move, your bed and its mattress just might pose the biggest challenge. Both bed frames and mattresses are often large, uniquely shaped and heavy. The last thing you want to do is cause damage to your bed by handling it the wrong way during a move. Here are a few tips that will help ensure your bed arrives at you new home safe and sound and without a scratch.
 

1. Strip the Mattress Down

 
Some people think they can save some time by simply moving their mattress with some of the bedding still on. In the long run, you’re better off removing all bedding from the mattress no matter how big of a rush you are in. This will allow you to handle the mattress easier and you’ll avoid dirty or stained bedding that you’ll have to wash anyway.
 

2. Use a Mattress Cover

 
There are specially designed mattress covers that can be used when moving a mattress that will protect it from ripping or tearing as you move it. A mattress cover also makes loading the mattress onto a truck and sliding it into position much easier. Typically made of plastic, a mattress cover will help to keep your mattress clean and free of dust or bugs during the time it spends in the moving truck.
 

3. Transport on its Side

 
Mattresses tend to take up quite a bit of space in a moving truck or in a storage unit. It’s best to place the mattress on its side and against a wall. This will actually help to conserve space and keep your mattress safe. We suggest that it be one of the first things you load onto a truck or into storage.
 

4. Take Bed Frame Apart

 
For those of you who put your bedframe together on your own, you may be cringing at the idea of having to take it all apart again. You don’t necessarily have to take it completely apart. Break it down into basic pieces that will be easy to move. You may be able to get into 4 easy-to-manage pieces that can then be moved through doorways and onto a moving truck without scratches or impact.
 

5. Keep Hardware and Other Pieces in a Sealed Plastic Bag

 
When taking your bed frame apart, be sure to carefully place each and every screw, bolt or any other hardware into a plastic bag that you can seal and label. This will help ensure you bed gets back together again the right way.
 
For more tips on storing mattresses or bed frames, feel free to call Cactus Self Storage at 480-386-6022.